WORK BEGINS ON BROADVIEW CPR OVERPASS

Construction is underway on twin steel and concrete overpass bridges on Highway 1 over the CPR tracks near Broadview.

The new overpass bridges are being built in conjunction with highway twinning in the area. The existing overpass bridge will be demolished once the new lanes are opened to traffic.

Westridge Construction Ltd. is the general contractor, and Rapid-Span Structures Ltd. is the contractor supplying and erecting the structural steel on this $6.4 million overpass bridge project. Construction should be complete by September 2005.

Twinning on Highway 1 this construction season is taking place from east of Wolseley to west of Whitewood. This includes opening 39.7 km of new lanes from east of Wolseley to west of Broadview this fall; and starting to grade 26.7 km, from 5.9 km west of Broadview to 3 km west of Whitewood, in preparation for paving in 2005. Construction on these projects is underway now.

"The people of Saskatchewan have told us that twinning is important to them, and we are committed to meeting the public's expectations," Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The newly-twinned lanes constructed this year will provide a safer, more efficient route for motorists on the National Highway System."

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation's 2004-05 budget has provided $29 million for twinning on Highways 1 and 16, including opening 53 km of new lanes in the upcoming construction season.

On Highway 16, construction is underway on 13.6 km of newly-twinned lanes from west of North Battleford to east of Delmas, which will be open to traffic this fall. In addition, new lanes from 6 km east of Maidstone to 4.5 km west of Maidstone will be graded in preparation for paving in 2005.

The provincial government originally committed to twinning Highway 16 from North Battleford to the Alberta border by 2010 and Highway 1 east by 2012. That schedule was accelerated with an injection of federal funding. Twinning on Highways 1 and 16 will be cost-shared on a 50-50 basis with the federal government through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program (SHIP).

"Highways 1 and 16 serve as important trade corridors and tourism links to the rest of Canada as part of the National Highway System," Sonntag said. "In Saskatchewan, we're building better highways – ensuring a safer transportation system and driving economic development. This twinning demonstrates once again that transportation is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan."

The province has committed $294.8 million to Highways and Transportation in 2004-2005 which will improve 740 km of highways and improve 30 bridges.

Motorists are reminded to reduce speed and drive safely through the Orange Zone, and to watch for construction signs and heavy equipment during this busy construction season.

For more information about upcoming construction in your area, and other Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation activities, visit the web site at: www.highways.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kirsten Leatherdale Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-8484